Well you need to make sure your tools are properly adjusted. But the rachet is used to add some twist to the bolt to help losen while the dead blow actually does the work of moving the bolt out. It's much stronger length wise so it'll take the hit with little distortion, most people just crank at it with a wrench and that's when the bolt fails.

 

i just thought id update this for those who find any humor in my struggle. i did the drivers side this weekend and it was even worse. i ran into the same problems with the pinch bolt and mini pinch bolt that holds the TRE in, but on this side i received the added bonus that the outer TRE was seized in the inner TRE. wtf. ended up replacing the inner TRE as well for $45.

since i had to drill the bolts out, i decided to buy a drill press. i wanted one anyway so now seemed like the best time. the drilling went MUCH easier with a press.

so now its all back together, except both of my tie rod dust covers were broken. i ordered some from NAPA but they didnt arrive in time for me to put them on. so i just used duck tap around both ends of the old ones LOL. the last thing i want is for the inner TRE (one that is brand new) or the steering gear to get dirt and **** inside them, so this will hold up until this weekend when i can install the dust covers. i'll be in there anyway installing new front brake lines.

damn it never ends with this car, but at least i have no more CLUNK THUMP from the suspension

 

Yeah I'm not looking forward to this either - I have a bad upper control arm in each front wheel well and that damn pinch bolt is the mother-f'ing devil and like you, I get the joy of dealing with both of them. Gonna suck to be me when this DIY begins.

And looking back up the page, Klum00, I LOVE the look with the new wheels - I was a fan of the black Fliks but those are seksy!